'ACADEMY AFTER HOURS'

Comedian, author, actor, and trainer Jimmy Carrane began his career at The Second City and iO, is an original member of The Annoyance, and was a member of 'Jazz Freddy,' 'Carl and the Passions,' and iO's legendary troupe, 'Armando.' He co-created Naked, and wrote and performed the solo shows I Am 27, I Still Live at Home and Sell Office Supplies, and Living in Dwarf’s House. I addition to numerous TV shows and film credits, Jimmy hosted NPR's Studio 312, and currently hosts the Improv Nerd podcast. His books include Improv Therapy and Improvising Better: A Guide for the Working Improviser with co-author Liz Allen.

  Matt Elwell is honored to direct 'The Gulf of Glenview,' the House Ensemble of The Laughing Academy! Before coming to The Laughing Academy, Matt rode all the Chicago improv rides: Annoyance, iO, Second City, and ComedySportz. He taught at The Second City and performed with Second City Theatricals, but spent most of his time at ComedySportz where he performed, taught, cleaned up puke, was Artistic Director, and eventually became President. Drawing from all these schools, Matt now teaches, coaches, and directs improv based on an approach he calls M.U.S.S., "Me. Us. Scene. Show.”

 With improv and stand-up training from The Second City and iO, Tyler Fowler is a nationally touring comedian regularly playing venues like The Laugh Factory, and Zanies Comedy Clubs. His debut comedy album Friends With 401(k) Benefits premiered at #1 on iTunes, and also placed in the Top 10 on the Billboard Comedy Charts. In addition, Tyler has a 30-minute Dry Bar Comedy special called Little Spoon currently streaming at drybarcomedy.com, and his upcoming special My Mom Said I Can’t Go is set for release in 2025.  

A graduate of the Second City Conservatory, Laura Hugg also studied theater at Columbia College, and is now a nationally-touring stand up comedian, improviser, storyteller, and sketch comic writer and performer. She has featured for Vince Maranto and Rocky LaPorte, and produces and hosts the Lincoln Lodge Theater comedy variety showcase, Keep Coming Back and hosts the weekly open mic at Ten Ninety Brewing Co in Glenview.

 With over 30 years experience in the industry, Cynthia Levin is an award-winning internationally-known stand-up performer, improviser, actress, and acting and comedy coach who has been teaching since 1997.  In addition to classes through Cynthia Levin Productions, she has also taught for Anthony Meindl's Actor Workshop in London, Los Angeles, NYC, Chicago, and now, The Laughing Academy in Glenview!

Scott Levy's career began in Cincinnati, where he founded the TV sketch group Monkeytime, running on NPR-affiliate stations. He subsequently trained and performed at Io and The Second City, where he continues to teach Improv, Writing, Stand-Up, Wellness, and Storytelling at the Second City Training Center. In addition, Scott served as a host on the late lamented WNKU, is a published short story and comedy writer, and is currently working on two novels.

Monica Matsakis is a writer and live storyteller who has shared her work at The Moth, Truth Be Told, Story Lab, This Much is True, The Laughing Academy and more. She is also a professionally trained actor, most recently appearing as Kate Jerome in Brighton Beach Memoirs at The Citadel Theater. Along with being entertaining, Monica believes in the transformative and healing power of live storytelling, not only for the teller but the audience as well. Connecting and feeling less alone is at our fingertips when we share our journey with one another.

A screenwriter, script consultant, and television writer since 1998 and former adjunct professor at Northwestern University's Department of Radio, Television, and Film, Dee Ryan has also performed, written, and taught at The Second City, and currently produces, hosts and writes for the storytelling show Louder Than a Mom, is a contributing editor for The Chicago Muse and a consultant and keynote creative director for ASUG-Americas' SAP Users' Group. 

She has performed her play "DeeConstruction" across the United States,on stages inclouding iO, UCB, Pittsburgh Public Theater, Merrimack Repertory Theater, and Center Stage.

 Tim Soszko has made a living performing, teaching, writing, directing and producing for over 15 years all over the US, Canada and Europe. In addition to teaching classes at The Actors Training Center, The Revival, Booth, and Quinlan, he performs with the musical improv group The Deltones, and wrote and starred in the pilot for his own sketch comedy TV show. For fun, Tim works as an emcee, an auctioneer, and a wood worker. Tim hopes to make millions as a voiceover artist. 

He has yet to reach his goal.

Darren Stephens is a veteran performer, comedian and improviser whose work includes the Second City House Improv Musical Ensemble, 'Baby Wants Candy,' and Musical, The Musical. In addition to numerous stage, film and tv appearances, his voiceover work has been featured in thousands of regional and national radio and television commercials, and is regarded as one of Chicago’s leading Voice and Presentation Coaches. Darren is skilled at helping people overcome the stress and anxiety associated with public speaking and teaches them how to effectively use humor and incorporate storytelling to create compelling messaging.